The Dodo Archive

Taco Bell Severs Ties With SeaWorld Amid “Blackfish” Backlash

After animal advocates slammed the fast food chain Taco Bell for offering discounts on tickets to SeaWorld, a petition on Change.org calling for them to cut ties garnered over 20,000 signatures. Now, a spokesperson for Taco Bell told the creator of that petition, activist Laura Morse, that the companies' partnership will end in September.

"I have confirmed we have no future plans for promotions," a Taco Bell spokesman told Morse.

Thank you to Taco Bell for listening to their concerned customers and putting a stop to their SeaWorld promotions. We applaud your efforts, and look forward to once again visiting your restaurants and enjoying our favorite vegan cinnamon twists!

Rob Poetsch, a spokesperson for Taco Bell, told The Dodo in an email:

This was a limited-time, regional promotion that was over in April. The offer remains valid through September 1, 2014 and therefore the site will remain active online until that date. We don't have any future plans for promotions.

SeaWorld and marine parks profit off keeping orcas and other marine animals in captivity -- despite evidence that captivity not only induces unnatural behaviors in whales, but also endangers trainers. Join us in pledging never to visit SeaWorld or other marine parks until they empty their orca tanks.